Engineering properties of the rock masses on the Salarha (Merkez-Rize) tunnel route

In this study, the engineering properties of the rock masses located along the Salarha (Merkez-Rize) tunnel alignment were investigated in terms of engineering geology. As a result of the geological studies, it is determined that, the Late Cretaceous-aged volcanic and sedimentary rocks were outcropped along the tunnel alignment. Field, laboratory and analyses studies were carried out to determine the engineering properties of rock masses. In order to determine the properties of discontinuities, the scan-line survey method and borehole data were utilized, and defined based on the ISRM suggested method. The rock quality designation (RQD), volumetric joint count (Jv) and joint density values were determined. Laboratory tests were performed to determine the physico-mechanical and elastic properties of rock materials. Rock mass properties were determined from empirical equations. The tunnel alignment was divided into five sections considering the topographic condition and overburden height. Rock masses were classified according to RMR, Q, GSI and NATM systems by using the obtained data and their quality were determined.